Interview with Owner of Reality Matters Today, Gina Lemelin

I met Gina Lemelin about 3 years ago when I worked as a Non-Prime Account Executive for JPMorgan Chase Home Loans. Gina was a Senior Mortgage Consultant that primarily focused on FHA and A paper loans while my primary focus was structuring Non-Prime Residential Loans. Our offices were combined in an effort to maximize client convenience. If we had clients that needed non-prime, prime, FHA, Streamline refinances or Home Equity lines of credit our office in Sugarloaf was a a one-stop shop.

I was always extremely impressed with the way Gina did business. She was always extremely detailed oriented and she believed in educating her clients. I recall a time where I was working late at our Sugarloaf office and Gina was planning a rather large event with one of her realtors. There was an assembly line of papers moving back and forth with the speed of light! I also recall seeing packaging of give away's as well as important information for first time home buyers. I thought to myself, "This girl understands what exceptional customer
service means"!

Today I had an opportunity to catch up with Gina to find out about her new company, Reality Matters Today.

KF: Good afternoon Gina. How are you today?

GL: Doing Great. Thank you Karen for such a warm introduction.

KF: For those that don't' know about your background Gina; can you tell our audience where you are from?

GL: Sure. I am a true Georgia Peach with very deep roots in Georgia. I was born in East Point GA where I attended a small Christian school from kindergarten through my senior year. I moved to Clayton county my senior year and then later to Gwinnett County which is where I currently reside.

KF: When did you first begin working in the Finance industry?

GL: 1992. It was so funny. I was babysitting for a wonderful family and working at Toys R Us. I loved that job, but I was putting myself through college and I was not paying the bills. I was at their house crying about my dilemma when the husband, who happened to be a Vice President of a mortgage company, told me he would get me a job . I was hired as a courier which is SO funny because anyone that knows me knows I get lost everywhere I go! It didn't take the company too long to figure that out. They "promoted" me to the closing department. I was hooked and have spent my entire adult life learning all aspects of the mortgage industry.

KF: Was it a passion you had for Finance that allowed you to be successful?

GL: Most definitely. How I love numbers! I have always loved math and the fact that every financial situation is different. No two scenarios are alike. I also love that what works for one, doesn't necessarily work for another. I tend to live in the gray and there are many gray areas in the financial arena. I realized very early on that the mortgage industry in particular was a great match for my "tell it like it is" personality type, talent and skill level. How exciting it is to do what I love every day!

KF: Tell us a little bit about what inspired Reality Matters Today?

GL: Well, as you know, the housing industry in particular, is experiencing a "Great Depression" so to speak. I accepted a job last year with a non-profit to raise funds to help "preserve" homeownership. That in itself, was a miserable experience. BUT through that experience, I realized it was time to launch my company. You see, everyone wants to talk about housing but very few and let me emphasize here, "VERY FEW" have brought any type of viable solutions to the table. The government has created yet another "regulatory agency" as a solution.
The elected officials and large banks are so out of the loop with the consumers that is almost "laughable". I could go on and on about the issues facing the housing industry; however, I will spare you and your readers the boring details. I will tell you that Reality Matters Today is a part of solution to this market that will begin to make a difference TODAY. In my humble opinion, the problems that created this mess are very basic. It is the ever changing laws "to protect the consumer" WHICH I might add, most consumers do not even understand, that
make the situation so complicated. It is high time representation gets back to the "American people" and I intend to do this in the housing industry through "Reality Matters Today."

KF: What will consumers learn from Reality Matters Today?

GL: The consumers will learn how to find RMT certified professionals to represent them when buying or selling a home, as well as a very simplistic, basic approach to maximizing their profits. Are you ready for this? Maximizing your financial portfolio (even for those of us who do not have one) is a three step process in which anyone can do - even people who do not have money!

KF: How can people join?

GL Membership is not required on behalf of the consumer. The industry professionals join for a very low fee of $19 per month. The consumer receives free representation and consultation.

KF: Do you have any upcoming workshops?

GL: I do not have any upcoming workshops but am in the process of setting up several community events. I love to work with Homeowner Associations because they can help market the event and the workshop can be held in the neighborhood. I am currently awaiting confirmation from a large HOA management company in Gwinnett County granting me permission to come into their neighborhoods. I will go anywhere - churches, schools, places of business, neighborhoods, etc. to reach the consumer. Your readers can help me by emailing any referrals (to set up an event) to events@realitymatterstoday.com. We are always in need of free facilities and marketing for our events.

KF: How can people connect with you on-line for more information?

GL: They can connect with me @ Gina Lemelin on Facebook or email me @ ginalemelin@realitymatterstoday.com

KF: Gina, what advice can you give to current home owners that are dealing with decreasing home values?

GL: Know your options, stay put and do not panic. There was a study published by one of the public broadcasting stations on the economy after the Great Depression. The study revealed that the most profitable survivors of the Great Depression were those land owners/home owners who were able to retain their properties - especially the landowners/homeowners who saw the steepest decline in property values. I personally believe the same is true today. I do not know when the market will turn but I suspect it will be sooner rather than later. In the meantime, there are many options available to those with a decline in value to pursue. To find out more on available options, please email me @ ginalemelin@realitymatterstoday.com

KF: Thanks so much for taking time to speak with us today Gina. I wish you all the best with Reality Matters Today!

GL: Thank you Karen. What an honor it is to interview with you!